The Lake District in Pictures: 21 Images That Will Make You Want to Go Right Now

The Lake District has been awarded World Heritage status! Quite right too, we reckon. Get ready for a whistlestop tour of all that is truly amazing about England’s largest National Park. It’s almost as good as being there.

We should warn you though – once you’ve finished looking at these pictures, it’s highly likely that you’ll find yourself wanting to jump in the car, or hop on the next train, and head straight for the Lakes. Fortunately we can help you there, with our range of deals on lots of Lake District hotels. We’ve even picked out a few of our favourites at the bottom of the page.

But first, this…

Lakes: check. Mountains: one or two. Boats: in abundance. Soul-nourishing views in every direction: naturally. Welcome to the Lake District.

Hotels We Love in the Lake District

Macdonald Old England Hotel & SpaWhere: Bowness-on-Windermere Why: Prime location in Bowness, overlooking Windermere. Home to a 2-AA-Rosette restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, plus a 20-metre swimming pool and a spa. The hotel is close to many Lake District attractions – The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction is a 3-minute walk away.Click here for rates and availability

Laura Ashley the BelsfieldWhere: Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria Why: This listed Victorian property reopened in July 2014 after a multimillion-pound refurbishment and collaboration with Laura Ashley. There’s an indoor pool, a stylish cocktail bar, two restaurants and, as you can see, spectacular views over Windermere. Click here for rates and availability

The RyebeckWhere: Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria Why: A former Edwardian gentlemen’s residence set in five acres of landscaped grounds with sweeping views of Windermere. There’s also a 2-AA-Rosette restaurant on site, and Bowness and Ambleside are just up the road. Rooms have lake or garden views. Click here for rates and availability

Wordsworth Hotel & SpaWhere: Grasmere, Cumbria Why: The village of Grasmere is about as idyllic a spot as you’ll find to usher in the spring months. This hotel is named after the poet William Wordsworth and sits next to another famous institution – the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. The northern tip of Lake Windermere is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Click here for rates and availability